Chapter 2190: Meng Yunzheng’s Audacity Knows No Bounds
Chapter 2190: Chapter 2190: Meng Yunzheng’s Audacity Knows No Bounds
Meng Yunzheng was not afraid; under the Emperor’s gaze, his writing flowed even more smoothly, as if inspired.
However, those sitting near him broke into a cold sweat, barely restraining themselves from turning around to kneel and salute the Emperor. Having the sovereign nearby was a true test of one’s inner composure.
The Emperor, seeing that Meng Yunzheng had finished writing a passage, finally spoke, "I hear you have succeeded in five examinations in a row. For this final exam, do you think the result will be as you wish?"
Since the Emperor had spoken, Meng Yunzheng could only stand up, cup his hands in respect, and say, "I do not know, Your Majesty. I only strive to do my best in every exam."
The Emperor chuckled softly, "Have you really exerted all your effort? From what I see, it doesn’t seem so. You started writing shortly after examining the question, which makes it seem like my questions aren’t challenging."
The other examinees inwardly shouted: There is difficulty! Where is there no difficulty? Your Majesty, please be clear-headed.
The officials observing them exchanged glances: What does the Emperor mean by this? It seems as though the Emperor doesn’t quite favor this Meng Second Scorer.
Perhaps it was just their illusion, but the Emperor’s tone seemed to carry a bit of sting.
Could it be that Meng Yunzheng, in refusing guests behind closed doors recently, had offended many, leading someone to speak ill of him before the Emperor?
Everyone had different thoughts, yet their gazes towards Meng Yunzheng were quite complex.
Meng Yunzheng couldn’t help but twitch his lips upon hearing the Emperor’s question.
He replied with utmost respect, "I truly have given my all, Your Majesty."
Everyone: "..." Are you serious? You’re speaking with the Emperor. Facing the Emperor’s ’questioning’, you should be in awe and kneel to plead guilty!
Nevertheless, the Emperor, after taking a deep look at him, finally said "Hmm," "Continue."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Thus, Meng Yunzheng sat back down and continued writing with single-minded focus.
The Emperor said nothing more, returning directly to sit on the Dragon Chair.
The examinees surrounding Meng Yunzheng let out a long breath in relief, finally not as tense.
The imperial examination lasted just one day. The Emperor merely looked around the Zicheng Hall once at the start and left, only coming back once midway.
By dusk, all examinees put down their pens and began to submit their exams.
All the scrolls were sealed and stored, and the examinees gradually made their way out of the main hall.
Even though it was only a day, many examinees emerged with a weakened appearance. For those at their level, such essays were not particularly challenging, but the pressure was indeed immense.
Some wiped their sweat, feeling a sense of relief.
Reflecting on the exam’s events after leaving that tense atmosphere, everyone couldn’t help but recall the subtle dialogue between the Emperor and Meng Yunzheng.
Slowly, the examinees distanced themselves from Meng Yunzheng, as if a vacuum had formed around him, with no one willing to walk alongside him.
However, as they neared the exit, the man from earlier approached Meng Yunzheng again and quietly said, "You are truly brave. You managed to converse with the Emperor without stammering. Were you not nervous at the time?"
Meng Yunzheng had already learned this man’s name. He was surprised the man still approached him.
It wasn’t hard to guess. To Meng Yunzheng, the Emperor’s words meant nothing. Yet those who didn’t understand thought the Emperor had intentionally targeted him, thus naturally distancing themselves out of fear of being implicated.
"Not nervous, it was merely a normal response. The Emperor is wise and mighty, and will not blame me."